After the Asian Para Games, I will switch to the javelin throw because the Paralympics will not stage the discus event in my classification,
Nagoya, Japan (ANTARA) - Indonesian para-athlete I Kadek Dwi Purwana Yasa clinched gold in the men’s F57 discus throw at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games (APG) on Tuesday, breaking his own world record in the process.
Competing at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, the 18-year-old threw a record-breaking 49.75 meters to claim the continental title, surpassing his previous world record of 48.68 meters, set at an international championship in Mexico in July.
Yasa demonstrated impressive form throughout the final, steadily increasing his distances in the opening rounds. He opened with a throw of 46.79 meters, improved to 47.17 meters on his second attempt, and then set the world record with his third throw of 49.75 meters.
He maintained his consistency in the remaining rounds, recording throws of 49.71 meters, 49.46 meters, and 43.67 meters.
Yasa finished well ahead of his closest rivals, with Uzbekistan’s Yorkinbek Odilov taking silver with a throw of 45.10 meters and Iraq’s Hussein Khazaee claiming bronze with 45.06 meters.
The victory gave Indonesia its first gold medal in para-athletics at the 2026 Games and its second gold overall at the continental multi-sport event.
The debutant said he was delighted with his performance on the Asian stage and had already set his sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
However, Yasa revealed that he would switch from discus to javelin for his Paralympic campaign because the men’s F57 discus event is not included in the LA 2028 competition program.
“After the Asian Para Games, I will switch to the javelin throw because the Paralympics will not stage the discus event in my classification,” Yasa told reporters after the medal ceremony.
The transition presents a significant technical challenge, requiring Yasa to adapt to the different techniques and training regimens involved in the javelin throw. Nevertheless, Yasa sees his record-breaking performance in Nagoya as a valuable foundation as he prepares to compete on the Paralympic stage.
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Translator: Aloysius Lewokeda, Uyu Liman
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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